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Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) running event with Compton Abbas airfield as part of campaign around safe sharing of the skies between drone users and the General Aviation (GA) community

Drone users to be given the invaluable opportunity to learn from local pilots, drone specialists and the CAA. If you have a drone but aren't sure of the rules, or need some advice on how to get the most out of your drone then this event is for you.

Initiative is part of the CAA's wider 'DroneSafe' campaign to promote safe drone usage and is first major 'share the air' event

South Coast and South West drone users are being invited to a major free drone safety event at Compton Abbas airfield on Saturday 11th November. The first major event in the Civil Aviation Authority's (CAA) new 'Share the Air' campaign, the open day will give drone users and General Aviation (GA) enthusiasts an opportunity to learn from each other while promoting safe flying for all.

Attendees will be given the chance to see for themselves the range of flying opportunities that exist in their local areas, as well as receive top tips on how they can use their drones responsibly, enabling them to expand their love of flying.

Expert Attendees

Alongside the staff of Compton Abbas airfield, the event will play host to several experts from across the sector:

ThePhantom Flight School will be on hand to give flying and photography advice

Yuneec, global drone manufacturer, will be showcasing its latest models with a flying display (subject to weather)

UAVision, a local drone distributor, will be providing expert advice and hand-on demonstrations of drone maintenance

V-Mach Media, a VR specialist, will be providing two highly realistic training simulators for attendees to try, including their Rotor Rush racing system.

Air traffic control body NATS will be on site to talk about their drone flying app and future work.

The CAA will also be available to provide the latest information on the UK and European regulations covering drones.

Community Responsibility

The 'Share the Air' initiative aims to demonstrate to drone pilots the significance of the role they play within the aviation community, and help them build stronger links with local airfields. Through increased collaboration between drone users and the General Aviation community, the CAA hopes to ensure all parties are aligned in their use of the skies, and are able to share the space responsibly, whilst still getting the most out of their local environment. It is the latest exciting step in DroneSafe, the CAA's successful national education campaign to showcase the importance of following guidance around safe drone usage.

“Drones being the latest 'must have' in tech, we've seen a huge spike in drone ownership across the country. What's vital now is that we ensure both drone users and the GA communities are equipped to share the air in a safe, yet enjoyable way that benefits both parties.

“By enlisting the help of the GA community, drone enthusiasts have a fantastic chance to be welcomed to the fold of flying, whilst simultaneously learning more about the environment they operate in. It might even inspire them to follow in the footsteps of the pilots they will be speaking to.

If you have a drone but are unsure of where to fly it safely or you want to know how to get the most out of your new bit of kit then this event is for you.”

The event starts at 10.30 with presentations from the CAA, Compton Abbas airfield and The Phantom Flight School. The teams of experts will then be on hand all day to help with any further questions or advice. Free refreshments will be available.

The airfield flying school will also be offering trial flying lessons (subject to weather conditions) for those interested in trying out private flying for real.

Graham Newby from Compton Abbas airfield added:

"The safe integration of airspace users is vitally important and Compton Abbas airfield is pleased to host the first of these major events for the drone and GA community."

The event is free but pre-registration is required. Places are limited and will be issued on a first-come-first-served basis. To register for the event please go to http://dronesafe.uk/compton/ and fill out the form for the event (maximum two places per application).

People looking to understand more about responsible drone flying should take a look at the CAA's Dronecode, a simple set of rules around safe and responsible use:

Don't fly near airports or airfields

Remember to stay below 400ft (120m) and at least 150ft (50m) away from buildings and people